Meet our Specials

Richard

Age:

51

Occupation:

Gamekeeper Estate Manager

What does your full-time job entail?

Countryside management including conservation of habitat and creating new habitat by planting trees and crops that benefit small mammals etc. I also run a pheasant shoot and manage the houses and grounds for a small family estate.

What made you apply to become a Special Constable?

Working within the police was something that had interested me for a long time and I finally decided to apply to become a Special as I wanted to help the rural community and increase awareness of how the police can and are helping those in rural areas. I also wanted to help the local rural community to get a more frequent police presence and in return get them to be the eyes and ears of the police. This is working very well.

Length of service with the Special Constabulary

7 years. I was the first gamekeeper in the UK to become a Rural Special Constable.

What area do you cover as a Special?

I cover a large rural beat with many villages and farms. It also has the M1 and A5 running through it so I am also involved in catching and disrupting criminals travelling in to, and through, Hertfordshire.

How do you find the balance between work, personal life and being a Special Constable?

In my case my Special role and my day job run side by side and sometimes intertwine. Keeping the area I live in safe is also part of my civilian role as well as my Special Constable role.

Do you find the skills you’ve gained as a Special have helped your career, and vice versa?

Certainly. You can gain a great deal of confidence, which can help you to speak to the public. Whilst this wasn’t a problem for me, I have gained many experiences which I wouldn't have done if I hadn't have joined the Special Constabulary. My work as a gamekeeper helps my Rural Special role because my knowledge of the local area and community are a huge advantage. I sometimes get calls from my regular colleagues asking for advice on rural affairs and even directions to off the beaten track farms and properties.

What do you like about being a Special Constable?

The variety of work. No two shifts are the same and offer a variety of learning each time you're on duty. Also, I have made some very good friends. Our regular colleagues are very friendly and helpful and I feel very much part of the team. I also enjoy working with, and meeting, people from all walks of life and cultures. In this job you meet with people who you wouldn’t ordinarily meet and I find this a very enjoyable part of the role.

What has been your most memorable incident?

There has been so many - saving two suicidal males with knives, finding seven cannabis farms, seizing dozens of uninsured vehicles to name but a few.

Have you ever received any awards/commendations during your service?

Yes. I received Rural Officer of the Year award, which as a Special was a great honour as I was up against officers from the whole Constabulary.

I also received a Royal Humane Society award for saving a man’s life. I was called by a friend and neighbouring land owner while I was off duty (if there is ever such a thing) one evening. He was concerned about a man parked in a car in a secluded area of his field who appeared to be in a distressed state. I had concerns for the safety of the man and went to check it out. When I arrived at the field I saw the vehicle parked up and the engine running. Sadly there was piping coming from the exhaust of the vehicle and into the interior. I dialled 999 immediately to get additional support and an ambulance, and guided them to my location in the field. In the meantime I managed to get the driver’s door open, started speaking to the driver and got the engine switched off. The man was clearly wishing to take his own life, however I am pleased to say that he gained consciousness and was taken to hospital where he received care.